"We still have some customers who want a proprietary solution, but for consumer electronics devices we [are] emphasizing the RF4CE standard," said Brett Black, commercial wireless manager for Freescale Semiconductor. "We believe that SMK's adoption of Freescale's RF4CE protocol will help make RF4CE the universal standard in RF for consumer devices."

During the cable show, SMK demonstrated a remote control with a display that could wirelessly download playlists from an iPod and display them on a TV. The same remote control was also used to control lighting in the room.

Unlike existing infrared remote controls, line-of-sight communications aren't required for RF. RF4CE uses the same IEEE 802.15.4 hardware as Zigbee-compatiable radios, but with different software protocols that allow two-way communicatons between the remote and a device.

Several consumer electronics manufacturers have already announced new consumer devices that will adhere to the RF4CE standard, with major vendors expected to start shipping devices by Christmas 2009.

Hopefully, camera makers can also take advantage of this technology, not just for remote control of cameras, but also for wireless flash systems. My Canon system has an excellent wireless flash controller, but it would be even more useful if it didn't rely on line of sight.
- Paul